Hope and Strength in Times of Suffering

Thanks to Mary Kochan of Catholic Exchange for bringing to my attention this article by new CE columnist Chris Findley. Findley dwells on Pope John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris (The Christian Meaning of Suffering) in light of the recent tragedy that occurred in the family of Steven Curtis Chapman. The following summation of his article is helpful in looking for ways to minister to families and loved ones going through times of pain and suffering.

In the case of the Chapmans, we are left with no truly satisfactory answer to the question of “Why?” In Christlike compassion we should avoid clichés and superficial answers. Instead I believe our call is to “weep with those who weep” and like our Lord, enter into their suffering with our prayers. Savifici Doloris reminds us we should understand that the cross is the backdrop for all our suffering, including the Chapmans’. And it is through the cross and because of the cross that we can rest with certainty in the Love of God.

The Chapman Tragedy and the Question of Suffering | Catholic Exchange